TruCOMMS-CE Mark Approval

Aortech International PLC 21 August 2000 AorTech International plc TruCOMMS - CE Mark approval AorTech International plc, the Scottish-based manufacturer of cardiovascular devices, announces European Regulatory, CE Mark approval in respect of TruCOMMS, the Continuous Cardiac Output Monitoring System. CE Mark approval enables AorTech to commence marketing TruCOMMS throughout Europe and initially it will be targeted towards UK, Germany and Italy. This follows on from FDA approval last year for the North American market place. Dr. Peter Duijst, AorTech's Medical Director, commented: 'With the satisfactory conclusion of final clinical trials, held in conjunction with Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK, the TruCOMMS system represents a major breakthrough in monitoring patients cardiac output both during and after surgery. In addition to obtaining European Regulatory Approval for our product, a presentation on TruCCOMS at the Annual Meeting of the Association of Cardio Thoracic Anaesthetists held in Cambridge last April, won first prize, TruCCOMS being described as a safe and effect device for continuous real time monitoring of cardiac output on critically ill patients. 'Recognising the tremendous advantages, which include ease of use and potential cost savings over existing heart monitoring systems, several major hospitals in Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, have requested our product for use both during and after surgery. 'The main clinical advantage of TruCOMMS over other systems is through the immediacy of its response to cardiac output changes. Those in the medical field who deal with critical and surgical care patients can for the first time monitor cardiac performance directly, enabling the immediate recognition of any changes in cardiac output, including during surgery - such technology could help save lives.' Enquiries: AorTech International plc 01698 746699 Eddie McDaid, Managing Director Ian Cameron, Finance Director Dr. Peter Duijst, Medical & Regulatory Director College Hill Associates 0207 4572020 Michael Padley / Nicholas Nelson www.aortech.com Copies of this statement will be available for a period of 14 days from the Company's registered office: Phoenix Cresent, Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill, Scotland ML4 3NJ